Honorees: Women in Construction

Stephanie Rodriguez - Bio

In her role as National Director, Industrial Services, Stephanie is responsible for growing Colliers business nationally and supporting both brokers and clients across the country. Stephanie joined Colliers after fifteen years at Duke Realty, where she was most recently Regional Senior Vice President for the state of Florida. In that role, Stephanie was responsible for leading and directing the development, leasing, property management and marketing of its growing industrial portfolios in Central and South Florida.

Stephanie serves on the board of directors and 2020 President of NAIOP South Florida, serves on the board of directors for CIASF, is a member of ULI, IAMC, and volunteers with several local groups including HOPE South Florida, Rebuilding Together Broward, SOS Children’s Village, and Kids in Distress.

Beth Azor - Bio

Beth Azor has been in the Commercial Real Estate Industry since 1986, from 1998 to 2004 as President of Terranova, Florida’s largest 3rd party asset manager.

She founded Azor Advisory Services in 2004 to invest in her own properties and provide consulting and training to industry leaders such as Kimco Corporation, Cushman & Wakefield, Brixmor Properties, Equity One, The Shopping Center Group, Phillips Edison, and DLC Management Group.
Azor now owns and manages a $79,000,000 portfolio of commercial retail properties in southeast Florida.

She most recently wrote and published Don’t Say No For The Prospect: How I Went from a Sales Rookie to a Retail LeasingRockstar to a Shopping Center Owner with $79 Million in Assets and The Retail Leasing Playbook.

Ms. Azor was the Chairman of the ICSC Florida Conference and awarded Top Retail Broker by South Florida Business Journal, Superstar Broker by Real Estate Forum and Broker’s Favorite Broker by Commercial Property News. She was also awarded the Davie/Cooper City Chamber of Commerce 2015 Small Businessperson of the Year.

Ms. Azor attended Florida State University where she obtained her AA 1980 and subsequently her B.A. in English. She was Chairman of the Board for the FSU Real Estate Foundation, is a former Member of the FSU Executive Board of the Real Estate Program, and a member of the UMRED+U (University of Miami Real Estate Development & Urbanism) Advisory Board. Ms. Azor also represented FSU in Valencia, Spain for 3 summers, teaching Introduction to Real Estate and Professional Selling for the FSU Summer Abroad Program students.

She is past President and now sits on the Board of Directors of the HOPE Outreach center. She also co-founded 100+ Women Who Care of South Florida and currently serves as the Chair of the Broward County Chapter. Ms. Azor has two sons and resides in Davie, Florida.

Debbie Danto - Bio

Debbie Deioma Danto, MBA, LEED AP, CGC is the Co-Owner (with her husband Craig Danto) and Chief Operating Officer at Danto Builders.

She is responsible for the operations and business development of her company, and develops, implements and maintains standard operating procedures to ensure documentation, safety and quality control.

Debbie has over 25 years of experience in developing and operating businesses, and over 15 in the construction industry.

Debbie graduated from Ohio State University with her Bachelor of Science in business administration and MBA from Cleveland State University. Her career started with Pizza Hut and Arby’s, which then led into working in the manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.

Debbie is very active in the community and with Industry associations. She is a Trustee and Board member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and on the the Healthcare, Permit and Oakland Park / Wilton Manors / Uptown (Incoming Chair for 2020) Councils. She is a board member for the Florida Design & Construction Professionals and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and member of AIA Fort Lauderdale and Riverwalk.

She and her husband are especially proud of their Big Bad BBQ Bash that has benefited Special Olympics Broward County for the last six years. They both have family members with Down Syndrome, so understand the importance of this cause. In 2019 they held it at Riverwalk’s Esplanade Park for the first time and had an estimated over 1200 people.

Danto Builders offers design, engineering and construction services for commercial, industrial and government projects, and has been completing projects in the South Florida area for over 35 years.

Their ideal is to help clients with turnkey design and build solutions. Danto Builders concentrates on hospitality (especially restaurants), healthcare and local government projects. They are a woman-owned business and CBE-, DBE-and WBE-certified.

Somemore recent projects include the addition and major interior and exterior renovations at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport Administrative offices, Circle House Coffee, Grind Coffee Project, Complete Marine, Segafredo, MinuteMan Press, Tower Club, Holy Cross, Broward Health, Kindred Hospital, and City of Deerfield Kirk Cottrell Pavilion.

When not working and networking, Debbie enjoys spending time and traveling around the world with her husband Craig of 14 years, and spending time in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with her family. Their last trip was to China this past May. She loves animals, especially their four rescue dogs.

She also likes to run and work out at Orange Theory. She has done the Publix A1A half marathon a couple times and just completed the A1A full marathon for the first time on Jan. 26. (to be confirmed before the event but this is the plan).

Huguette St. Hubert - Bio

Huguette St. Hubert, a native of Haiti living in South Florida for the last five years, has become a catalyst and a leader in her community.

Moving to the U.S. at age 13 and leaving a country that was in unrest for an opportunity to pursue her dream, Huguette’s journey was ridden with several challenges, however, she discovered that in her hardest moments, she found strength, resiliency, and a determination to find her own way.

Huguette St. Hubert prides herself in the advocacy of self-growth, altruism, leadership and education. In high school she earned several recognitions such as top ten percent of her class, medical magnet distinction and outstanding senior leader. Now a sophomore in college, Huguette is a role model in her community and is involved in six organizations including Girls who Code, Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Association and Junior Achievement of South Florida. Through her participation in these local organizations, she promotes youth enrichment, educational advancement and personal development. She believes that her calling is to continue helping individuals in her community unlocking their inner super-hero to find ultimate success!

“Everything in life, no matter how big or small, is achievable with perseverance.” – Huguette St. Hubert

Nepola Sisters - Bio

When Young Rebuilders Mia Bella and Ava Nepola were little kids, they learned to give back by accompanying their parents, Justin and Jackie, on community service project adventures. They volunteered alongside their parents for everything from beach sweeps and school mural painting to food sorting and distribution. Volunteering was simply a normal family activity.

As they got older, Mia Bella and Ava continued to volunteer on their own. At 12, Ava completed a 24-hour service project at Feeding South Florida. Mia has volunteered at the Florida State House multiple times. They also continue to join their parents – with paint brushes and shovels in hand – helping to revitalize Rebuilding Together homes.

“Stephanie and I are so proud of Mia and Ava’s confidence, strength, determination and desire to give back to others,” said Justin, Mia Bella’s and Ava’s father. “They have learned many of their best qualities by volunteering for amazing South Florida organizations like Rebuilding Together Broward.”

The family has been recognized for their efforts. Mia Bella and Ava were awarded the Daily Points of Light Award, which celebrates the power of individuals to lead and lend support to causes they care about. The Nepola family was a top-five finalist for the Disney Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year and were featured on Good Morning America.

Mia Bella and Ava, now 18 and 14, have learned the value of hard work, leadership and the importance of giving back through community service. Mia Bella is a senior at Florida Virtual School, and Ava is a freshman at West Broward High.

Joy Lynskey - Bio

With a natural ability to envision, communicate and execute creative ideas, Joy Lynskey is a well-recognized talent in the world of interior design. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Jewel Toned Interiors (JTI), an award-winning interior design studio located in Fort Lauderdale.

Her team is dedicated to creating spaces that invigorate, inspire, and emotionally resonate with their audience. Joy’s passion for design and community has led her to the development of a two-prong-focused business: interior design and social responsibility.

The JTI Team participates and fundraises annually for Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. They recently completed their first bedroom makeover for a Make-A-Wish recipient and work with an extensive list of clients to provide beautifully designed residential buildings for low-income families.

Tamara Chase - Bio

Tamara Chase, CEO of Chase Roofing & Contracting, began her roofing career in her husband’s business in a supporting role, but was determined to take on more responsibility and make Chase Roofing a resounding success.

She became a Certified Roofing Contractor and a Glass and Glazing Contractor and worked to certify the business as a Certified Women-Owned Small Business. With her energy, Chase Roofing increased revenue growth by 600 percent, with revenues spiking from $1.5 million to $9 million+.

Tamara serves on the board of directors of the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida, where she has been a part of many roofing projects for people in need in our community, including many with Rebuilding Broward. She and her team at Chase support a variety of causes including the Dolphin Cancer Challenge, 211 Broward, Make-A-Wish, Hands on Broward, Julian’s Fountain of Youth and Habitat for Humanity.

Robyn Raphael Dynan - Bio

Robyn Raphael Dynan is the President of South Florida’s leading general contractor firm, RCC Associates, which specializes in building restaurants, hospitality, entertainment venues and high-end retail. They were recently named South Florida’s second largest female-owned business and just celebrated 50 years in business. The company boasts over $100M in revenue and Robyn leads its growth alongside her mother, CEO & Chairwoman, Beverly Raphael Altman.

Robyn’s management skills have led her to become a well-respected executive in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine recognized Robyn two years in a row (2018 & 2019) with their “Up & Comer” award, and in 2019, she was chosen by the South Florida Business Journal as one of their “40 under 40” award recipients. Robyn’s involvement in the company has been recognized as she propelled the company to the South Florida Business Journal’s #1 Woman Owned Business ranked by revenue in 2013 and again for five consecutive years beginning in 2015.

Robyn is an active board member for many local philanthropies. She is a member of the Board for Habitat for Humanity and co-chair with Beverly Raphael-Altman for its 2019 and 2021 Women Build. Robyn is also an active member of NAIOP, the renowned commercial real estate trade organization for which she sits on an exclusive roundtable with executive women within the commercial real estate field in South Florida, as well as the ICSC [International Council of Shopping Centers]. Robyn also sits on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of South Florida. Robyn and RCC actively support many organizations including Go Pink, Alzheimer’s, Children’s Museum of Boca Raton, and the Brain Tumor Foundation, to name just a few.

Robyn graduated Leadership Broward’s 2015 class, having worked with a non-profit group called Fire Wall Centers, an after-school program for kids in middle school and high school. This mentoring program was designed to keep teenagers in a safe environment, while tutoring them to qualify for scholarships for college. At the end of the year, they organized a full day of service for the kids to give back, called the “Serve-A-Thon,” which she led at the Broward Children’s Center, cleaning the entire property, and planting a butterfly garden for disabled children to enjoy.

Robyn graduated from Florida State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Business.
Robyn’s proudest accomplishments to date are her husband, Jason Dynan and their two children Riley (14) and Brody (11).

Dominique McNeil - Bio

Dominique’s interest in construction was sparked as a child, by the drives along the water that her parents would take her on to look at the nice, big houses. Her father had also done work in the construction industry, so Dominique has been exposed to the field since she was young. Where Dominique grew up, career resources and mentors were sparce, but she credits her parents for instilling in her a strong faith and work ethic, with the desire to help those who are less fortunate. With this foundation, Dominique hit the ground heavy with her intentions to make change and pave a path for others, like her, to follow as she herself made her way.

After achieving her Bachelor’s in the Construction Engineering Technology program at Florida A&M University, Dominique worked tirelessly towards pursuing her dream career in construction, working 3-4 jobs at the time to support herself. Determined and with a hunger for success, she convinced the, at the time, Division Vice President of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to give her an opportunity. She started her career in the industry in 2018 with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as a Project Engineer and is currently an Assistant Project Manager.

Dominique is active in the Construction Association of South Florida through the Women’s Council Committee and is also a member of the Future Leaders Committee. Through these committees, she coordinates lunch and learns amongst the trades to assist with exposure in the industry and networking to create new business opportunities. Given her passion for educating youth, she is also a part of the National Association of Black Women in Construction and joined forces with the National Education Committee of the organization. In a return to her educational roots at Florida A&M University, Dominique serves as the Vice President of FAMU’s School of Architecture and Engineering Technology Alumni Chapter, actively mentoring students of the program and providing donations to support the program’s funding.

Dominique is an ambassador and mentor for the Black Resource Group (BERG) at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. She also dedicates time working with interns to assist in their learning experience by connecting them with design engineers and trade partners. She coordinated the Women in Construction 2022 celebration within the company and pushed for enhanced corporate social responsibility practices. Dominique also serves as Vice President-Elect for the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Through NAWIC, she has worked to support philanthropic efforts for the NEF Block Kids Competition, Girl’s Summit of Broward County, GANG Alternative, God’s Gift, Junior Achievement, SOS Children’s Village and Rebuilding Together Broward County.

Alexandra Torti - Bio

Alexandra Torti is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale. She has excelled in her endeavors inside and outside of school. While maintaining a high GPA, extracurricular activities such as Campus Ministry, multiple National Honor Societies, Youth Leadership Broward, and a part-time job, Alexandra found a passion in serving others. She has acquired over 825 service hours with various organizations across Florida and the world.

One of her most impactful achievements was her STAy Home initiative. After working with the missionary organization Youth With a Mission and the Homes of Hope program to build homes in the barrios of Dominican Republic for over 7 years, Alexandra experienced the insurmountable burden of poor living conditions on the needy. Alexandra took action by organizing her own international service project, STAy Home, in May of 2019.

A team composed of students, parents, and friends were assembled to build 2 homes in 2 days for 2 families in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Alexandra raised $42,000, recruited 40 volunteers, organized travel, and lead the team on a volunteer experience of a lifetime and new start for two families. Alex intends to continue her service to others by building and repairing homes for the less fortunate in our community and around the world.

Casie Idle - Bio

Casie Idle is Vice President of Business Development & Client Relations for ID & Design International, a leading, award
winning design and branding firm specializing in commercial mixed-use, hospitality, food and beverage, multi-family,
cruise ship, supermarket, and entertainment design worldwide.

Casie’s career started in television as a product spokesperson on Home Shopping Network, but after finishing college she
followed her life’s dream of working in the interior design industry. As a child, Casie always had a passion for interior
design and would draft floor plans and build homes with Legos at the young age of 6.

It was in 1999 that Casie rose through the ranks as a residential interior designer, working at some of South Florida’s
largest and most prestigious design firms, whose celebrity clientele included movie legends, professional sports figures,
and Middle Eastern royalty.

In 2013, Casie joined IDDI and has been instrumental in building the company’s portfolio. Along with their immensely talented team, Casie has helped take the firm from 25 employees to its 68 design professionals today. In addition, she has produced healthy, enduring relationships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

But more than a VP, Ms. Idle is an advocate for giving back to the community and sits on several Board of Directors and
Committees and believes wholeheartedly in doing business with purpose. Casie is President of NEWH of South Florida,
which provides scholarship and leadership education to college students in the hospitality design and culinary industry.
She also sits on the Board of Directors for Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Broward Chapter and has adopted 3
Broward County High Schools to mentor young students in the interior design industry. Her “Design a Restaurant
Challenge” has become a part of the Broward County Curriculum. In addition, Casie sits on the Davie Advisory Board for
Big Brothers Big Sisters and contributes to many charitable organizations including Feeding South Florida, Everybody
Eats, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, HANDY, 211 Broward, and Operation Christmas Child.

Casie is the mother of a 13-year-old girl, Carrington, who is following in her mother’s footsteps in giving back to the
South Florida community. Carrington is an ambassador for Kindness Couture and Childnet, which collects underwear and
pajamas for children in the foster care system, and an ambassador and mentor for Arc Broward working hand in hand
with preschool and school age children with developmental disabilities. Casie is getting married this November and will
be blessed with 3 more amazing daughters; Paige, Ellison, and Cameron. Dion, her fiancé, and Casie happily reside in
Davie, Florida.

Traci Miller - Bio

Professionally, Traci has been working for Miller Construction Company since 1993 and became a shareholder with 9 other team members in 2011. She now serves as the Sr. Vice President and oversees business development & marketing, community relations, and is the champion of company culture. Traci is part of the firm’s leadership committee and board of directors.

Traci lives in Fort Lauderdale with her husband Troy McHatton. They have raised 3 children, the youngest of whom is a junior at Appalachian State University.

Traci’s current community, civic and professional affiliations and leadership positions include the following:

CREW Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beach – Past President, Board of Directors
CREW Miami – Member
NAIOP South Florida Chapter – Past President, Board of Directors
Commercial Industrial Association of South Florida (CIASF) – Board of Directors
Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance – Leadership Council Member
The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) – Member, Host of Big Ideas: Beyond the Book
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward – Founder, Women on the Verge, a resource group
Leadership Broward Foundation – Past Board Chair, Class XX
United Way of Broward County – Women’s Leadership Council, Tocqueville Society
Rebuilding Together Broward County – Board Member, Builder’s Olympiad and Family Festival, Founder and Event Chairman; National RTD House Captain
Henderson Behavioral Health – Annual Dinner Committee Member
Six Degrees Golf, Inc. – Founding Board Member, Secretary
The First Tee of Broward – Founding Council Member
Salvation Army Broward County – Ambassador, Red Shield ReDesign Committee member
100+ Women Who Care Broward – Broward Chair, Member

Recognition and Awards

BISNOW – Power Women in South Florida Commercial Real Estate, 2019
Rebuilding Together Broward – Inaugural Celebrating Women in Construction Honoree, 2020
CREW Fort Lauderdale/Boca Raton
- Recipient, Lori Hartglass Lifetime Achievement Award 2017
- Member of the Year 2015
The Salvation Army Community Ambassador Envoy Award, 2015
Leadership Broward Foundation
- Profiles in Leadership Gala Honoree, 2015
- Fun Lunch Honoree, 2007 and 2010
- Recipient, Executive Director’s Award, 2006
- Recipient, President’s Award, 2005
NAIOP South Florida Awards of Excellence – Member of the Year 2013
NAIOP National Award Recipient – Best Educational Program — 2016
Community Leadership Association – International Recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award, 2009
Boys & Girls Clubs Inaugural 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County, 2009
Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Déjà vu” Gala Honoree, 2007
March of Dimes 2004 “Woman of Distinction” Broward County Fair – 2004 “First Ladies of Broward”

My name is Cindy Presgraves and I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
I am Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, a member of the Million Dollar Club.
I have been a Realtor for 3 years. I became a top-producing Realtor while going through a divorce as a single parent.
I began in Atlanta, without knowing anyone and a new career.
The reason why I became an agent is because I love helping people in many ways and building a lifetime relationship while finding their dream home.
Mostly it’s because I can be my own boss and have flexibility for my family.
I am on Agent on Fire to show people anyone can succeed as a single parent or a realtor if they have the right mindset no matter where or how they are in life.

My name is Tiffany Novitsky and I live in the Greater Tampa Bay Area of Florida.
I have been a Real Estate Agent for 3 years now with 2 years prior experience in Real Estate as an Unlicensed Assistant where I was able to learn the ropes.
I became a Real Estate Agent because I believe that to service others insuch a close-to-home capacity is in my nature.
I am passionate about creating the best experience for my friends/clients in one of, if not, the biggest purchase of their lifetime and what will often be a pivotal point in their financial stability.
I am a part of Agents On Fire to show others that they are capable of achieving the highest goals they set if they apply hard work and dedication.

Hello, I am Stephanie Simmons. I live on the Mighty Mississippi. I have five children and three beautiful grandchildren.
I currently hold my real estate license in both Iowa and Illinois and I am also working on my third license as I want to relocate next year.
I became a real estate agent as it is something I had wanted to do for many years and unfortunately was directed in other directions on all spectrums for quite some time and was told by many I could not do it.
I am involved in real estate because a house is a place to build traditions, memories, a place to laugh and cry but, most importantly, at the end of the day to have a place to call home.
I want to help others have that dream. Every day is a new day and every day you learn something new whether it be about people. or the process involved with home-ownership and that is why I do what I do.

My name is Lisa Church and I live and grew up in Portland, Maine.
I have been involved in supporting residential, commercial and investment real estate dreams in the communities of Maine and New Hampshire for the past five years.
Founded by my mother’s involvement and encouragement of owning/investing in real estate, and utilizing my background in Corporate and Technology, I took a career leap to follow my purpose and passion for negotiating and becoming the voice for others.
I am on Agent On Fire to show people that having a tenacious attitude and putting your mind to something is the winning recipe for success.

My name is Liliana McGaughey and I live in Cumming Georgia.
Buying or selling a home is usually the biggest financial expense or transaction that most people will have in their lifetime, and I want to be the person they trust to guide them through the process with ease, knowledge, and passion.
I am on Agents on Fire because I want to grow my business exponentially and be held accountable by my mentors and peers as well as be a trusted source of knowledge in real estate to new and old clients.

My name is Kevin Welch. I live in Moline, Illinois.
I have been a real estate agent for a little over a year now.
I have been investing in real estate since 2004 and have purchased over 100 homes of my own.
The reason I became a real estate agent is because I wanted to fulfill the dynamic of helping others buy their own home or assist them into actually becoming real estate investors themselves.
Just seeing the excitement and joy on someone’s face when they are being handed the keys to their new home always seems to fulfill me with a such a great sense of achievement that I decided to join the Agents On Fire Show to help prove to the world that anyone can achieve their goals and that dreams really can come true.

My name is Harley Dufek and I live in Fairfax, VA near Washington DC.
I have been in Real Estate since 2005.
The reason why I became an agent is because I love helping others achieve their goals in the real estate space and I love working for myself and having unlimited income potential.
I am on Agent on Fire to show people that every one of us can achieve whatever dreams we have with the right mind set and dedication.

My name is Angela Dowd and I live in Windham, New Hampshire.
I’m a licensed realtor for Keller Williams in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
I became an agent 7 years ago when I decided to sell my own house and wanted to avoid paying realtor fees.
I love working with my clients and helping make their dreams a reality!
The reason I am on Agents on Fire is to accelerate my professional growth and become the Premier Agent in my market, all while creating a work / life balance to spend more time with my beautiful family.

My name is Anton Morrow and I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
I have been a real estate agent for a little over a year now.
The reason why I became an agent is because I love talking to people and I love helping them upgrade to the life they deserve.
I am on Agents on Fire to show people that anything is possible if you work hard and have the right mindset.

My name is Austin Bergman I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida, I have been in real estate for 19 years now, it’s really the only thing I have done.
I started one of Richmond Virginia’s most successful brokerages selling just about 500 homes a year at a 350,000 sales price.
When I got the opportunity to reset my life in 2017 I moved south.
Now I focus on high net worth waterfront properties. It’s a whole different ball game.
I am on Agents On Fire to show the world you can lose it all and with the right mindset and drive you can have it all over again.

Beth Azor

Tamara Chase

Debbie Danto

Casie Idle

Joy Lynskey

Dominique McNeil

Traci Miller

Sisters Mia Bella Nepola
and Ava Nepola

Robyn Raphael-Dynan

Stephanie Rodriguez

Huguette St. Hubert

Alexandra Torti

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